Faith Community I Call Home.

Write out how you came to be affiliated with the faith community or communities you call home. It should include at least the following element: How your faith community has formed you for the better. Reflecting on my journey of faith and affiliation with the communities I call home is a meaningful way to understand how my spiritual life has been shaped.

My Journey of Faith and Community

My journey into the faith community I now call home began in a small, vibrant church in my hometown in the early 90s. My grandparents introduced me to our congregation’s “worship, prayer, and fellowship rhythms” from an early age. It was a community marked by warmth and a deep sense of belonging, where faith wasn’t just a belief system but a way of life that permeated every aspect of our existence.

Discovering Faith Through Community

As I grew, my understanding of faith evolved, influenced profoundly by the relationships I formed within the church. Sunday school teachers, pastors, and fellow congregants nurtured my spiritual growth. They modeled a life of faith that was not only rooted in Scripture but also expressed through acts of service, compassion, and love. Their example taught me that faith is lived out within a community. Where we support and challenge each other to grow closer to God.

1. Personal Experiences

• Spiritual Encounters: Personal experiences of God’s presence, whether in worship, prayer, or through life’s challenges, can profoundly impact one’s spiritual understanding and connection to one’s faith community. In 2000, when Bonnke came to Nigeria, Benue State, at the crusade, where I was baptized in the Holy Ghost, this was the most profound spiritual experience I had ever experienced. Being baptized in the Holy Spirit is a beautiful yet consuming gift. Teaching and empowering me in areas where I least expected to thrive
• Life Events: Major life events such as baptisms, weddings, funerals, or other significant milestones celebrated within the faith community can reinforce one’s spiritual identity and understanding. My water baptism experience is yet another beautiful spiritual journey that I have encountered, making me believe even deeper in the salvation gift.

2. Ecumenical and Interfaith Dialogue

• Exposure to Different Perspectives: Engaging with other Christian traditions or even other faiths can broaden one’s understanding of one’s beliefs and deepen one’s appreciation for the unique aspects of one’s community.
• Unity and Diversity: Participating in ecumenical activities, where you work together with other denominations or faith groups on common goals, can enhance your understanding of the broader body of Christ and the role of your community within it.

A Season of Searching

In my teenage years, I experienced a season of questioning and searching. I explored different denominations and worship styles, attending various services, from the liturgical richness of the Catholic Church to the expressive worship of Pentecostal congregations. This exploration allowed me to appreciate the diverse ways Christians experience and express their faith. However, it also deepened my longing for a community where I could fully engage with my questions and doubts while grounded in a tradition that felt like home.

1. Community Service and Social Justice

• Service Opportunities: Engaging in acts of service, whether through mission trips, local outreach, or church-based initiatives, can help you live out your faith in practical ways and deepen your spiritual understanding and commitment.
• Social Justice Engagement: Being part of a community that emphasizes justice, advocacy, and care for the marginalized can broaden your perspective on what it means to live out your faith in the world, shaping a holistic understanding of the Gospel.

2. Spiritual Practices

• Prayer and Meditation: Regular personal and communal prayer, including contemplative prayer, silence, and meditation, can foster a deeper spiritual life and connection to God.
• Fasting and Sacrifice: Engaging in practices like fasting or other forms of sacrifice can heighten spiritual awareness, self-discipline, and a deeper reliance on God.

Finding My Faith Community

Eventually, I found my way back to a community that combined what I had experienced elsewhere: a deep commitment to Scripture, a vibrant worship life, and a strong emphasis on community and service. This church embraced the intellectual and emotional aspects of faith, providing a space where I could grow in understanding while engaging in heartfelt worship and meaningful relationships. Deep and fervent prayers and fasting”. Bible study sessions, yearly spiritual retreats, and Engaging youth programs to build my personal and intellectual being. This program encouraged me to appreciate a diverse approach to faith and religion.

1. Theological Exploration

• Doctrinal Study: Delving into the core doctrines of your faith, understanding the beliefs that define your community, and exploring how this shape your worldview can deepen your spiritual understanding.
• Engagement with Christian Tradition: Learning about the history of your denomination or broader Christian tradition, including the writings of the Church Fathers, Reformers, and modern theologians, can provide context and depth to your faith.

How My Faith Community Has Formed Me for the Better

Being part of this community has shaped me profoundly. It has taught me the importance of spiritual discipline, encouraging me to develop regular prayer habits, Bible study, and reflection. Through small groups and accountability partners, I’ve learned the value of vulnerability and honesty in relationships, recognizing that growth often comes through shared struggles and mutual encouragement.

Moreover, my church’s commitment to social justice and service has opened my eyes to the broader implications of the Gospel. I’ve been challenged to see faith as a personal journey and a call to engage with the world, advocating for the marginalized and working for the common good. This has instilled a sense of purpose and responsibility, urging me to live out my faith in tangible ways.

1. Meaningful Relationships

• Mentorship and Fellowship: Close relationships with mentors, pastors, or spiritual leaders who guide, challenge, and encourage you in your faith journey. Engaging in fellowship with other believers through small groups, Bible studies, or informal gatherings can provide a strong sense of belonging and shared purpose.
• Accountability Partnerships: Having someone to walk alongside you in your spiritual journey, offering support, prayer, and accountability, can deepen your faith and understanding.

2. Worship and Liturgy

• Participatory Worship: Regular participation in communal worship services, where you actively engage in singing, prayer, and receiving the sacraments, helps to form a deeper connection with God and the community.
• Liturgical Rhythms: The structure of worship services, including the liturgical calendar with its seasons of Advent, Lent, Easter, and Ordinary Time, can provide a sense of rhythm and continuity, helping you to experience and reflect on the story of faith throughout the year.

3. Scriptural Engagement

• Bible Study and Teaching: In-depth study of the Scriptures, individually or in a group setting, can provide clarity and insight into your faith. Engaging with sound, biblical teaching from sermons or classes also deepens your understanding of the faith.
• Personal Reflection and Meditation: Regular reading, meditation, and reflection on Scripture help one internalize its teachings, apply them to life, and grow spiritually.

Conclusion: A Home in Faith

Looking back, I see how my faith community has been instrumental in shaping who I am today. It has provided me with a spiritual foundation, a supportive network, and a vision for how to live out my faith in the world. This community is more than just a place of worship; it is a home where my faith continues to grow, deepen, and be lived out in service to others.

Your spiritual understanding is likely the result of a combination of these factors, each playing a role in shaping your faith and connection to your community. These elements work together to create a dynamic and growing relationship with God, supported and enriched by your community.